Sarah and Tom had been trying to start a family for quite some time. Sarah had always faced challenges with her weight, which ultimately became a significant factor in her ability to conceive. When they decided to have a baby, Sarah was able to get pregnant, but sadly, her first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage. After some time, they welcomed their first son, Ethan, but during that pregnancy, Sarah gained a substantial amount of weight, reaching her highest at around 250 pounds. This marked the beginning of a tough struggle with weight management and a diagnosis that would change their lives forever. With support and guidance, Sarah and Tom took control of their situation and were finally able to pursue their dream of expanding their family.
A Shocking Diagnosis
After Ethan’s birth, Sarah managed to shed the baby weight gradually. When her son turned one, she began losing weight at an unexpected pace. “I could eat whatever I wanted and still drop pounds, which had never happened before. I got down to 175 pounds,” Sarah recalls. However, this sudden weight loss was accompanied by troubling symptoms, including a miscarriage and heart issues. After dealing with a persistent headache for three days, she went to the doctor, who quickly diagnosed her with Graves’ disease. This autoimmune disorder affects the thyroid and can disrupt metabolism, with pregnancy potentially triggering its onset. In 2011, she underwent thyroid removal surgery, and her endocrinologist began adjusting her medication. “It was a stressful period,” Sarah explains, “I was managing my health issues and caring for a lively toddler while I turned to food for comfort.” This emotional eating, combined with her medication, led her back to 200 pounds, a weight with which she was not comfortable.
Trying Again
Sarah and Tom were eager to try for another child, but the recovery from Sarah’s thyroid surgery postponed their efforts. Finally, in September 2011, they felt ready to start again. “After Ethan, it took us ten months to conceive, so we thought patience would be key,” Sarah said. Her OB/GYN assured them that everything appeared fine, and they kept reminding themselves that Sarah had been pregnant before. They attempted two months of Clomid, but her doctor suggested consulting a specialist. At 39 years old, Sarah felt disheartened, fearing that their dreams of adding another child to their family might be slipping away.
She reached out to a fertility specialist and scheduled a meeting with Dr. Laura Smith. Although Sarah was still unhappy with her weight, Dr. Smith remained optimistic about their prospects. They were diagnosed with unexplained infertility, leading to a recommendation for intrauterine insemination (IUI). They tried three rounds of IUI over the summer of 2012, but none were successful.
Dr. Smith then suggested they consider in vitro fertilization (IVF). At nearly 40, Sarah felt despondent, thinking she had exhausted her options. “I was on the verge of giving up, believing we might never have another child,” she admitted. However, Dr. Smith and her team reassured her that IVF offered a better chance of success, and they were committed to supporting her through the process.
Taking Control
Determined to regain control of her life, Sarah joined a weight loss program. “With infertility, there are so many factors out of your control, but my weight was something I could manage,” she explained. Over the next few months, Sarah focused on her eating habits and lost 30 pounds. When she arrived for her egg retrieval, she proudly corrected the anesthesiologist about her current weight, “It’s actually 160 pounds now.” This moment was a significant victory for Sarah, feeling like she had lifted a weight that had burdened her for years.
Unfortunately, the night before her egg transfer, Ethan fell ill with the flu, leaving her stressed and anxious. Everything seemed to go wrong that day, and Sarah was feeling anything but optimistic about the outcome. Two weeks later, she went for her pregnancy test, experiencing cramps that led her to believe her period was imminent. “But my nurse, Linda, told me not to lose hope just yet,” she said, “those cramps could mean something else.”
After missing Linda’s initial call, Sarah took a nap to gather her thoughts. When she woke up, she found another message urging her to call back, delivering the incredible news: “You’re pregnant!” Sarah and Tom were ecstatic, welcoming their second child in March 2014.
Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle
“Now that I’ve adopted a healthier mindset, it’s hard to revert to old habits,” Sarah stated. Though she was advised to pause her weight loss program during pregnancy, she felt confident in her ability to return to her pre-pregnancy weight afterward. Looking back, Sarah believes she did everything in her power to achieve this pregnancy. “It never hurts to be healthier,” she remarked. She acknowledges that her thyroid medications play a role in her weight management, but she understands that her choices also matter. “Getting healthy helped me tackle my depression over infertility, and I’m thrilled to be starting this pregnancy at a healthy weight!”
At our clinic, we understand that our patients come in all shapes and sizes. While weight can be a challenge for some, it is not insurmountable. We offer resources like support groups and counseling to assist you on your journey. Our dedicated team is here to help you realize your dreams of parenthood, but we may need your cooperation along the way. Stay positive and hopeful, as we have encountered many situations over the years, and we’re here to help you overcome any obstacles in your path.
For additional insights and resources on home insemination, check out this informative post. If you’re looking for an authority on the subject, this guide offers excellent information. For a broader understanding of fertility treatments, WebMD provides valuable resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Sarah and Tom Johnson faced numerous challenges on their journey to expand their family, including weight struggles and infertility. After a series of ups and downs, they sought help, embraced a healthier lifestyle, and ultimately realized their dream of welcoming a second child. Their story highlights the importance of support and determination in overcoming obstacles to parenthood.